South of France Steam 2027

Duration

7 Days

Departure Dates

18th May 2027

Prices from

£1,895 Per person

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Experience a fantastic steam adventure on this special tour to the South of France riding steam-hauled trains over some of the most scenic routes. Journey on the stunning Vivarais Railway, experience the spectacular "Train of Wonders", ride the Cévennes Steam Train across superb viaducts, and take an historic steam journey aboard the Train des Pignes plus a ride along the Mediterranean coast and free time to discover Nice.

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Valence ©AdobeStock

7 DAYS FROM £1,895

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Book by 31st August 2026 using code EARLYBIRD100

to save £100 per person!

PLUS save an additional £150 per person when booking in conjunction with our >> Northern France Narrow-Gauge Steam Tour << giving a total saving of £350 per person when you book both tours before 31st August 2026!

DEPARTS

Tuesday 18 May 2027

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Steam through the spectacular Doux Gorges on the Vivarais Railway
Ride behind steam over fantastic viaducts aboard the Cévennes Steam Train
Journey on the "classique" route to Marseille
Marvel at the wonderful coastal scenery between Marseille and Nice
Experience the aptly named Train of Wonders, one of France’s most scenic railways
Explore the medieval village of Tende
Take an historic steam journey on the Train des Pignes
Discover architectural treasures in the charming village of Annot
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Nice

Also included in your Tour Fare:

6 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 4 lunches
Services of experienced Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, then onwards to Valence and our hotel for three nights, the Hotel de France, where we check in and enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings with our first evening at leisure.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we will travel by road to Tournon Saint-Jean to experience the historic Vivarais Railway, an 18-mile metre-gauge line using powerful Mallet steam locomotives to haul the train through the spectacular Doux Gorges. A water stop is made at the village of Boucier-le-Roi before continuing through open countryside passing charming villages, chestnut groves, and orchards. After climbing nearly 1,000ft, we will arrive at the small town of Lamastre, where we will watch the locomotive turn on its turntable and enjoy our lunch at a nearby restaurant, before returning by steam to Tournon and by coach to our hotel.

B, L

DAY 3

Today, after breakfast, we travel by private coach to Anduze for the remarkable Cévennes Steam Train to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Winding through tunnels and along viaducts, our journey allows us to discover the valleys of the Gardon and their superb views. We will enjoy lunch together in the station at Saint-Jean-du-Gard before retracing our steps to Anduze and returning to Valence.

B, L

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we will depart by rail over the old 'classique' route to Marseille, changing here for our relaxing and scenic train journey along the beautiful Mediterranean coast to Nice, arriving early in the afternoon. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore this elegant city, famous for its sunny climes, gorgeous beaches, and colourful architecture staying for three nights at the Hotel Khla near the railway station.

DAY 5

Today, we experience a spectacular two-hour rail journey on one of France's most scenic railways aboard the aptly named 'Train des Merveilles' (Train of Wonders) journeying through untouched scenery dotted with tunnels, viaducts, and beautiful little alpine villages to Tende. This medieval village, set 2,600ft above sea level, is set in the heart of the Mercantour National Park which houses the largest collection of open-air petroglyphs in Europe. After our lunch together at a local restaurant and some free time to explore, we complete the return journey to Nice for an evening at leisure.

B, L

DAY 6

Today, we depart the metre-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence railway station on a railcar through the dramatic Var Gorge to Puget-Théniers. Here, we will board the steam-hauled 'Train des Pignes' for an historic ride through the beautiful Provence countryside and vast pine forests, passing the charming, fortified city of Entrevaux, and onwards to the village of Annot. On arrival, we will enjoy lunch together and time at leisure to discover the architectural treasures of this medieval village before retracing our steps to Nice for an evening at leisure.

B, L

DAY 7

We bid farewell to Nice and to France, returning by rail to Lille, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

Or why not complete the ultimate FRANCE IN STEAM tour and book alongside our Northern France Narrow-Gauge Steam Tour departing 14/05/2027.
SAVE £150 PER PERSON when booking these tours back-to-back.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Hotel de France, Valence

Ideally located in downtown Valence, the Hotel de France offers modern comforts and a welcoming atmosphere with a relaxing bar lounge and a lush, sunlit terrace providing the perfect place to unwind. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel Khla, Nice

Located close to the railway station, the unique Hotel Khla offers a prime central location in Nice providing easy access to the city’s biggest attractions and a comfortable bar to unwind after an exciting day. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to/from France, including Eurostar Standard	£2,235
Upgrade to Eurostar Plus	£150
First Class rail travel to/from France, including Eurostar Plus	£2,435
Join at Valence & Leave at Nice	£1,895
Single Traveller Supplement	£595
Deposit	£190

6 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 4 lunches

Eurostar and rail travel to and from France in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

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Hotel de France, Valence

Hotel Khla, Nice

Vivarais Railway

Vivarais Railway Route

Cu00e9vennes Steam Train

Visit Nice

Train des Merveilles

Train des Pignes

Vivarais Railway ©Train Ardeche

Lamastre ©AdobeStock

Cevennes Steam Train ©AdobeStock

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